British card chain with over 140 UK stores officially closes shop today as 70% off closing down sale comes to an end

A BRITISH card chain is set to close its doors for good today after almost two decades. The closure comes as the brand continues to shrink its high-street presence, with all “loss-making stores” set to shut down. A popular card chain is closing one of its locations after two decades Credit: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Clintons is pulling down shutters today for the last time Credit: Google Maps Rugby Central’s Clintons branch is closing its doors for good today, Saturday, September 19. The shop first opened in 2009, selling cards alongside gifts and products from brands including Tsum Tsum, Yankee Candle and TY Toys. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Workers have been left gutted at the news, with one member of staff saying: “I can’t even begin to explain how devastating this is not only to us as staff members but being another loss in the precinct.” The Rugby location held a clearance sale with up to 70 per cent off on cards and other gifts to help shift stock before closing. A previous statement from Clintons said: “The company has continued to close loss-making stores and the portfolio of retail stores is now down to approximately 170 stores. “The high street continues to be unpredictable and the company is seeing reduced footfall in the stores year on year.” And it’s not the only card shop that shoppers will have to wave goodbye to. A Cardzone in Witham is due to close at the end of the month, while a Card Centre is preparing to shutter its branch in Neath, South Wales. Most read in Money This follows competitor card chain Card Galore also closing its locations as a result of rising costs. Comment now